FloridaFlorida law makes certain sexual conduct around children a felony
Starting October 1, 2026, Florida law provides a felony penalty for certain sexual conduct while a person observes a child under 16 for sexual arousal.
What it does
The law provides a third-degree felony for lewd exposure or certain sexual acts done while observing a child under 16 for sexual arousal. It makes no difference whether the child knew what the person was doing or saw the person’s sexual organs.
The act repeals a Florida statute about “unnatural and lascivious acts.” The text does not explain the repeal’s effect on other laws.
Argument forChildren under 16 may receive added protection from certain sexual conduct done for the offender’s arousal, even without physical contact.
Argument againstA person could face a felony even if the child never saw the conduct, which may reach situations where the child was unaware.
More detail
The law provides a third-degree felony for certain conduct while observing a child. The person must intentionally view a child under 16 in circumstances where the child could reasonably see the person. The person must act for their own sexual arousal or gratification. The offense does not apply to a mother breastfeeding her baby or a person merely nude in a place set aside for that purpose. The act takes effect October 1, 2026.
The act repeals Florida Statute section 800.02. The repeal applies to section 800.02, Florida Statutes. The act takes effect October 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 17Chapter No. 2026-159Latest
- Jun 16Approved by Governor Ron DeSantisBecame Law
- Jun 9Signed by Officers and presented to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 10Ordered enrolledMinor
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 10In Messages
- Mar 10CS passed; YEAS 38 NAYS 0Passed Senate
- Mar 10Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 10Read 2nd timeMinor
- Mar 10Substituted for CS/CS/SB 1742
- Mar 10Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
- Mar 10Withdrawn from RulesMajor
- Mar 3ReceivedMinor
- Vote recorded Passage, Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 3Referred to RulesMinor
- Mar 3In Messages
- Mar 3CS passed; YEAS 108, NAYS 0Passed House
- Mar 3Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 3Added to Third Reading Calendar
- Mar 3Read 2nd timeMinor
- Feb 26Bill added to Special Order Calendar (3/3/2026)
- Feb 4Added to Second Reading Calendar
- Feb 41st Reading (Committee Substitute 2)Minor
- Feb 4Bill referred to House Calendar
- Feb 3CS FiledMinor
- Vote recorded Favorable (Judiciary Committee). Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 3Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)Minor
- Feb 3Reported out of Judiciary Committee
- Feb 3Favorable with CS by Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Jan 30PCS added to Judiciary Committee agenda
- Jan 29Now in Judiciary Committee
- Jan 29Referred to Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Jan 281st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)Minor
- Vote recorded Favorable With Committee Substitute (Criminal Justice Subcommittee). Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 28CS FiledMinor
- Jan 28Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)Minor
- Jan 28Reported out of Criminal Justice Subcommittee
- Jan 28Favorable with CS by Criminal Justice SubcommitteeMinor
- Jan 26Added to Criminal Justice Subcommittee agenda
- Jan 15Now in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
- Jan 15Referred to Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Jan 15Referred to Criminal Justice SubcommitteeMinor
- Jan 131st Reading (Original Filed Version)Minor
- Jan 9FiledIntroduced
Criminal JusticePublic Safety